How should instruments that come into contact with blood or body fluids be treated?

Instruments that come into contact with blood or body fluids are classified as critical items that require thorough disinfection or sterilization. This is essential because blood and body fluids can harbor infectious pathogens, increasing the risk of transmission of diseases.

Disinfection refers to the process used to eliminate most microorganisms, whereas sterilization is a more rigorous method that ensures the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, including spores. Instruments used in medical settings must undergo these processes to ensure patient safety and compliance with infection control standards.

Washing with soap and water is insufficient because it may not eliminate all contaminants or pathogens, leaving a potential risk for infection. Simply reusing instruments without cleaning poses a direct health risk and is against infection control protocols. Disposal of these items in regular waste fails to account for the biohazard nature of the materials, which requires special handling and disposal methods to prevent exposure to infectious agents. Thus, disinfection or sterilization is the appropriate and necessary practice for maintaining safety and preventing infection.